Honorary Degree Recipients
2025 Honorary Degree Recipient, Jerry McCormick (middle), posing with Dr. Mark Sanchez (left) and Dr. Max Branscomb (right).
Honorary degrees have long been a tradition in higher education, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact in their fields and communities. From leaders in education and business to pioneers in social justice and the arts, these recipients embody excellence, innovation, and service.
At Southwestern College (SWC), this prestigious recognition was formally implemented by the 1988 Academic Senate, who played a vital role in establishing the criteria and selection process. Their dedication ensured that honorary degrees reflect the institution’s mission and values.
| Recipient | Year |
| Jerry McCormick | 2025 |
| Angelina “Angie” Stuart | 2024 |
| Sandra Scheller (‘76) | 2023 |
| Manuel “Memo” Cavada | 2022 |
| Carmen Martinez | 2022 |
| Salvador Barajas | 2021 |
| Herman Baca | 2020 |
| Starla Lewis | 2020 |
| William Barkhurst | 2019 |
| Charles Hayes | 2019 |
| Mary Casillas Salas | 2019 |
| Ron Cohn | 2018 |
| Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax | 2018 |
| Ron & Reina Bolles | 2017 |
| Christine Moore | 2017 |
| Adela C. Garcia | 2016 |
| Hank Murphy | 2016 |
| Benjamin S. Green | 2015 |
| Irv Silverstein | 2014 |
| William Virchis (‘68) | 2014 |
| Cindy Gompper-Graves | 2013 |
| J. Michael Straczynski (‘74) | 2013 |
| Jerry Bartow | 2012 |
| Denise Whittaker | 2012 |
| Nick Aguilar | 2011 |
| Serge Dedina, Ph.D. | 2010 |
| Anthony Young | 2009 |
| Enrique Morones | 2008 |
| Scott McMillin | 2006 |
| Dede Alpert | 2004 |
| Rachael Ortiz | 2004 |
| Rev. George Walker Smith | 2003 |
| Augustine Chavez | 2002 |
| Bob Filner | 2001 |
| George H. Waters | 2000 |
| Dolores Huerta | 1999 |
| Luis Valdez | 1999 |
| Denise Moreno Ducheny | 1998 |
| Corky McMillin | 1997 |
| Frank J. Urtasun (‘77) | 1996 |
| Harry Shank | 1995 |
| Mary Kay Dennison (‘73) | 1993 |
| Daniel Dennison | 1989 |
| Edwina Kenney Hegland | 1988 |
| Helynn Hoffa | 1988 |
| Sheridan Hogland | 1988 |